Lotus Light

ABSTRACT

A multifunctional device is disclosed for facilitating plant growth by shining a solar-powered light over plants, and can provide other functions. The multifunctional device comprises a center post, a ground stake, and solar panels. The center post telescopically expands and retracts. The ground stake tapers to a point on one end and can be secured in the ground. Further, the solar panels fold down against the center post for storage, unfold perpendicular to the center post, and are locked in place when in use via a locking collar. The solar panels comprise an underside and a topside, with solar cells secured to the topside and lights secured to the underside. The solar cells absorb sunlight, and turn the sunlight into electrical energy which is used to charge the solar batteries housed in the center post. The solar batteries power the lights located on the solar panels.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/589,433 filed Jan. 23, 2012.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor plants receive, on average, approximately twelve hours ofsunlight a day in most regions of the world. Depending upon the plantvariety, plants can typically live and sustain off of this amount ofsunlight, but in order to maximize the plants growth potential, plantsmay acquire more sunlight. Some people may add chemicals to the soil orto the plants themselves to facilitate growth, but this is not alwaysgood for the plants and/or for human consumption in the case of fruit orvegetable plants. Additionally, intruders such as animals can be acommon problem in outdoor landscapes if there is no way for thelandowner to scare them away and/or prevent them from disturbing theplants. An effective solution to prevent these problems is necessary;instant remote lighting to a field from a Lotus Light device provides asolution.

There is a need for a multifunctional device that can providesolar-generated light to help plants grow, among other things. Thepresent invention resembles a weatherproof ground stake with hingedsolar panels on the end of the stake that can fold and unfold. The stakecan be placed in the ground and can shine light on plants and otherobjects, even without sunlight, to help the plant grow. Users can usethis multifunctional device in a variety of ways, such as campsitelighting, or as a way to scare off intruders on their land. Themultifunctional device can also be used indoors with houseplants. Anyonewho wants their plants to grow quickly or needs a convenient lightingdevice can appreciate the benefits of this invention.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its solepurpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof,comprises a multifunctional device used to facilitate plant growth byproviding solar-powered light to plants, as well as can provide manyother functions. The multifunctional device comprises a center post, aground stake, at least one solar panel, and at least one light. Thecenter post telescopically expands and retracts. The ground stake tapersto a point on one end and can be secured in the ground, or any otherpierce-able surface. Further, the solar panels fold down against thecenter post for easy storage, unfold perpendicular to the center post,and are locked in place when in use via a locking collar.

In a preferred embodiment, the solar panels comprise an underside and atopside. The topside comprises at least one solar cell secured to thesolar panels, though there can be any suitable number of solar cellssecured to the topside of the solar panels. Further, the underside ofthe solar panels comprises at least one light, though there can be anysuitable number of lights secured to the underside of the solar panels.Using existing technology, the solar cells of the solar panels absorbsunlight, and turn the sunlight into electrical energy, which is used tocharge the solar batteries housed in the center post. The solarbatteries then power the lights located on the underside of the solarpanels. If the multifunctional device is used inside, the solarbatteries are replaced with standard batteries which are used to powerthe lights located on the underside of the solar panels.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intendedto include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages andnovel features will become apparent from the following detaileddescription when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the multifunctionaldevice in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2A illustrates a top perspective view of the multifunctional devicewith the solar panels unfolded in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture.

FIG. 2B illustrates a top perspective view of the multifunctional devicewith the solar panels folded in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the remote control devicein accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the multifunctional device inuse outside in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the multifunctional device inuse inside in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the multifunctional device inuse as a walking stick in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovationcan be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to facilitate a description thereof.

The present invention discloses a multifunctional device that canprovide solar-generated light to facilitate plant growth, as well asprovide many other functions. The present invention resembles aweatherproof ground stake with hinged solar panels on an end of thestake that can fold and unfold. The stake can be placed in the groundand can shine light on plants and other objects, even when it's darkoutside, to help them grow. Users can use this multifunctional device ina variety of ways, such as a lighted walking stick when hiking, ascampsite lighting, or as a way to scare off intruders. Themultifunctional device can also be used indoors with houseplants or forother lighting purposes.

The multifunctional device comprises a center post, a ground stake, andsolar panels. The center post telescopically expands and retracts. Theground stake tapers to a point on one end and can be secured in theground. Further, the solar panels fold down against the center post forstorage and unfold perpendicular to the center post and are locked inplace when in use via a locking collar. The solar panels comprise anunderside and a topside, with solar cells secured to the topside andlights secured to the underside. The solar cells absorb sunlight, andturn the sunlight into electrical energy which is used to charge thesolar batteries housed in the center post, using known technologies. Thesolar batteries power the lights located on the solar panels.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-2B illustratethe multifunctional device 100 used to facilitate plant growth byshining a solar-powered light over plants, as well as can provide manyother functions. The multifunctional device 100 comprises a center post102, a ground stake 104, and at least one solar panel 106. The centerpost 102 comprises a first end 108 and a second end 110. Typically, thecenter post 102 is cylindrical in shape, such as in the shape of a dowelrod, however any other suitable shape can be used as is known in the artwithout affecting the overall concept of the invention.

The center post 102 would generally be constructed of aluminum, steel,wood, or a composite plastic, etc., though any other suitable materialmay be used to manufacture the center post 102 as is known in the artwithout affecting the overall concept of the invention. The center post102 can also comprise a variety of colors and designs to suit userpreference. The center post 102 is approximately between 36 and 48inches long as measured from the first end 108 to the second end 110,when the center post 102 is fully extended, and approximately between 12and 24 inches long as measured from the first end 108 to the second end110, when the center post 102 is retracted, and approximately between 1and 2 centimeters in diameter.

Typically, the center post 102 is hollow, but it does not have to be andcan function by being partly or wholly solid. Additionally, the interiorof the center post 102 can house at least one battery (not shown). Thebattery can be a solar battery, a standard chemical battery, or anyother type of battery or size of battery as is known in the art.Further, the center post 102 telescopically extends and retracts, andcan be secured in place once extended via a locking collar 112 or othersuitable securing means as is known in the art such as via a pin or thelike. Thus, the center post 102 can retract or collapse for easy storageand then be extended longitudinally and secured when in use.

The multifunctional device 100 further comprises a ground stake 104comprising a first end 114 and a second end 116. The first end 114 ofthe ground stake 104 is secured to the second end 110 of the center post102 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such aswelding, gluing, threading, etc. The second end 116 of the ground stake104 preferably tapers to a point such that the ground stake 104 can besecured in the ground, or any other pierceable surface. Typically, theground stake 104 is cylindrical in shape, however any other suitableshape can be used as is known in the art without affecting the overallconcept of the invention. Further, the ground stake 104 would generallybe constructed of the same materials as the center post 102, such asaluminum, steel, wood, or a composite plastic, etc., though any othersuitable material may be used to manufacture the ground stake 104 as isknown in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.The ground stake 104 can also comprise a variety of colors and designsto suit user preference.

The multifunctional device 100 further comprises at least one solarpanel 106 hinged securely to the first end 108 of the center post 102.The solar panels 106 are typical solar panels 106 as is known in theart, and function as typical prior art solar panels. There can be anysuitable number of solar panels 106 secured to the first end 108 of thecenter post 102, but preferably there are approximately between threeand five solar panels 106. Further, the solar panels 106 are secured tothe first end 108 of the center post 102 via a lockable hinge, alockable ball-joint hinge, or any other suitable pivoting securing meansas is known in the art. The securing means allows the solar panels 106to pivot approximately 180 degrees, and be tilted or directed toward thesun.

Further, the solar panels 106 can fold down against (or axially parallelto) the center post 102 for storage and unfold perpendicular to thecenter post 102 and are locked in place when in use. The solar panels106 are locked in place via a locking collar 112 or other suitablesecuring means as is known in the art. Further, the retraction andextension of the center post 102 can also act to fold or unfold thesolar panels 106, such that when the center post 102 is retracted forstorage, the solar panels 106 fold down as well, against the center post102. And, when the center post 102 is extended, the solar panels 106 areunfolded perpendicular to the center post 102, the center post 102 andthe solar panels 106 are then secured in place via a locking collar 112.

Furthermore, the solar panels 106 comprise an underside 118 and topside120. Typically, the topside 120 comprises at least one solar cell 122,however the solar cells 122 can be positioned on any suitable surface ofthe solar panels 106. Further, there can be any suitable number of solarcells 122 secured to the solar panels 106, but preferably there areapproximately a plurality of solar cells 122 secured to the topside 120of each solar panel 106. The solar cells 122 are typical solar cells asis known in the art, and function as typical prior art solar cells. Thesolar cells 122 are secured to the solar panels 106 via gluing, molding,or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art.

Furthermore, typically the underside 118 of the solar panels 106comprises at least one light 124, however the lights 124 can bepositioned on any suitable surface of the solar panels 106. Further,there can be any suitable number of lights 124 secured to the solarpanels 106, but preferably there are approximately a plurality of lights124 secured to the underside 118 of each solar panel 106. The lights124, can be light emitting diodes (LEDs), fluorescent lights,incandescent lights, a mixture thereof, or any other suitable lightsource as is known in the art. The lights 124 are secured to the solarpanels 106 via gluing, molding, screwing in, embedding, or any othersuitable securing means as is known in the art. Further, the type,amount, color, and configuration of the lights 124 are not limited to aspecific design or configuration and can comprise any suitable type,amount, design, color, and/or configuration of lights that could beimplemented during manufacturing to suit manufacturing needs andconsumer preferences, as well as the wants and needs of a user. Forexample, if LEDs are used, different proportions of colored LEDs canprovide more optimal results for plant growth.

The solar cells 122, lights 124, and batteries are in electricalcommunication with each other, such that the solar cells 122 of thesolar panels 106 absorb sunlight, and turn the sunlight into electricalenergy which is used to charge the solar batteries housed in the centerpost 102, using known technology. The solar batteries then power thelights 124 located on the underside 118 of the solar panels 106. If themultifunctional device 100 is used inside, the solar batteries arereplaced with standard batteries which are used to power the lights 124located on the underside 118 of the solar panels 106. Or, themultifunctional device 100 can be placed outside to charge the solarbatteries, and then brought inside and used.

Further, the multifunctional device 100 can comprise a motor (not shown)or other actuation device which acts to remotely fold and unfold thesolar panels 106. Specifically, the solar panels 106 can be folded downagainst the center post 102 or unfolded perpendicular to the center post102 manually or via a handheld remote control device (shown in FIG. 3 as300). For example, an actuator or mechanical arm or other linkagecommunicates with the solar panels and motor to fold and unfold thesolar panels 106.

If a handheld remote control device is used, the center post 102 furthercomprises an external antenna 126 or internal antenna (not shown) thatcommunicates with the handheld remote control device. The externalantenna 126 would be secured to the first end 108 of the center post 102via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as welding,gluing, threading, etc. In use, the handheld remote control device wouldproduce a radio frequency (RF) signal, or other suitable signal, andwould then send this signal to the external antenna 126 or internalantenna, the external antenna 126 or internal antenna would thencommunicate with the motor to remotely fold and unfold the solar panels106, using existing technologies.

FIG. 3 illustrates the handheld remote control device 300. Typically,the handheld remote control device 300 is rectangular in shape, howeverany other suitable shape can be used as is known in the art withoutaffecting the overall concept of the invention. The handheld remotecontrol device 300 would generally be constructed of plastic, such aspolycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or acrylonitrile butadienestyrene (ABS), though any other suitable material may be used tomanufacture the handheld remote control device 300 as is known in theart without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The handheldremote control device 300 is approximately between 1 and 4 inches longas measured from the first end 306 to the second end 308, approximatelybetween 1 and 3 inches wide as measured from opposing sides 310, andapproximately between 0.25 and 2 centimeters thick.

Specifically, the handheld remote control device 300 comprises, amongother functions, a power switch 302 for powering on and off the handheldremote control device 300, and up and down arrow controls 304 forraising or lowering the solar panels. However, the handheld remotecontrol device 300 is not limited to these functions and can compriseadditional functionalities that could be implemented duringmanufacturing to suit manufacturing needs and consumer preferences, aswell as the wants and needs of a user. As stated supra, the handheldremote control device 300 produces an RF signal, or other suitablesignal, which is then sent to the external antenna (shown in FIG. 2A) orinternal antenna. The external or internal antenna then communicateswith the motor of the multifunctional device to remotely fold and unfold(or raise and lower) the solar panels.

FIGS. 4-5 illustrate the multifunctional device 100 in use.Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates the multifunctional device 100 in useoutside and FIG. 5 illustrates the multifunctional device 100 in useindoors. In operation, a user (not shown) would choose the color and/orspecific design of the multifunctional device 100 that meets their needsand/or wants. The user would then telescopically expand the center post102 of the multifunctional device 100 and secure it in the expandedposition by tightening a locking collar 112. The user would thenmanually or remotely via a handheld remote control device 300 unfold thesolar panels 106 and secure them in place by tightening a locking collar112. Further, the retraction and extension of the center post 102 canalso act to fold or unfold the solar panels 106, such that when thecenter post 102 is extended, the solar panels 106 are simultaneouslyunfolded perpendicular to the center post 102, the center post 102 andthe solar panels 106 are then secured in place via a locking collar 112.

Once in position, the multifunctional device 100 is then inserted intothe ground or other pierce-able surface via the ground stake 104, suchthat it stands over a plant, flower, etc. For example, in use outside,the ground stake 104 would be inserted into the ground via its taperedpoint, and in use indoors, the ground stake 104 would be inserted intothe potting soil of a potted plant via its tapered point. A user insertsthe ground stake 104 into the surface and pushes downward toward theground until enough of the center post 102 is inserted into the groundor other surface, such that the multifunctional device 100 securelystands vertical out of the ground, over the plant, flower, etc. A userthen adjusts the solar panels 106 to either turn them towards thesunlight and/or focus the lights on their underside toward the plant,flower, etc. Light is then shown on the plant, flower, etc.,facilitating its growth.

FIG. 6 illustrates the multifunctional device 100 in use as a lightedwalking stick. The multifunctional device 100 can providesolar-generated light to help plants grow. The multifunctional device100 can be placed in the ground and can shine light on plants, even whenit's dark outside, to help them grow. Additionally, users can use themultifunctional device 100 as a lighted walking stick when walking orhiking, as campsite lighting, or as a way to scar off intruders, or forany other lighting function. The multifunctional device 100 can also beused indoors with houseplants. Anyone who wants their plants to growquickly or needs a convenient lighting device can appreciate thebenefits afforded by this product.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subjectmatter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimedsubject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter isintended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variationsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multifunctional device, comprising: a centerpost comprising a first end and a second end; at least one solar panelhinged securely to the first end and comprising an underside and atopside; and at least one light secured to the at least one solar panel.2. The multifunctional device of claim 1, wherein there are four solarpanels secured to the first end.
 3. The multifunctional device of claim2, wherein at least one of the four solar panels pivot approximately 180degrees relative to the center post.
 4. The multifunctional device ofclaim 3, wherein the four solar panels fold down against the center postfor storage and unfold perpendicular to the center post and are lockedin place when in use.
 5. The multifunctional device of claim 1, whereinthe at least one light is a light emitting diode (LED) light embedded inthe underside of the at least one solar panel.
 6. The multifunctionaldevice of claim 5, further comprising at least one battery which powersthe at least one light.
 7. The multifunctional device of claim 6,wherein the at least one battery is a solar battery which is charged viathe at least one solar panel.
 8. The multifunctional device of claim 1,further comprising a remote control for controlling movement of the atleast one solar panel.
 9. The multifunctional device of claim 8, furthercomprising an external antenna for communicating with the remotecontrol.
 10. The multifunctional device of claim 8, further comprisingan internal antenna in the center post for communicating with the remotecontrol.
 11. The multifunctional device of claim 1, wherein the centerpost collapses telescopically and is locked in place via a lockingcollar.
 12. The multifunctional device of claim 1, further comprising aground stake secured to the second end of the center post.
 13. Amultifunctional device, comprising: a center post comprising a first endand a second end; at least one solar panel hinged securely to the firstend and comprising an underside and a topside, wherein the at least onesolar panel folds down against the center post for storage and unfoldsperpendicular to the center post when in use; and a plurality of lightssecured on the at least one solar panel.
 14. The multifunctional deviceof claim 13, wherein the at least one solar panel pivots approximately180 degrees.
 15. The multifunctional device of claim 13, furthercomprising at least one battery which power the plurality of lights. 16.The multifunctional device of claim 15, wherein the at least one batteryis a solar battery which is charged via the at least one solar panel.17. The multifunctional device of claim 13, further comprising a remotecontrol for controlling movement of the at least one solar panel. 18.The multifunctional device of claim 17, further comprising an antennafor communicating with the remote control.
 19. The multifunctionaldevice of claim 13, further comprising a ground stake secured to thesecond end of the center post.
 20. A multifunctional device, comprising:a center post comprising a first end and a second end; at least onesolar panel hinged securely to the first end and comprising an undersideand a topside, wherein the at least one solar panel folds down againstthe center post for storage and unfolds perpendicular to the center postwhen in use; a plurality of LEDs embedded on the underside of the atleast one solar panel; and a ground stake secured to the second end ofthe center post.